Processing of X-ray Film

These flashcards cover key concepts, terminology, and procedures related to the processing of x-ray film as discussed in the lecture.

What is film processing in radiography?

Film processing refers to the series of steps that converts the latent image into the visible radiographic image.

What is a radiopaque object?

An object that completely stops or absorbs x-rays, preventing them from reaching the film, resulting in a radiopaque image.

What defines a radiolucent image?

Radiolucent structures allow x-rays to pass through and react with the silver halide crystals, resulting in a visible radiographic image.

What is a latent image?

An invisible image produced in film emulsion by light or x-ray.

What is the purpose of developing in film processing?

The purpose is to convert latent images to visible images by reducing exposed silver halide crystals to metallic silver.

What are the four components of the developing solution?

Developer, Activator, Preservative, Restrainer.

What function does the preservative serve in film processing?

It protects the developers from oxidation, thereby extending their shelf life.

What is the ideal temperature for the developer solution when processing films manually?

The optimal temperature for the developer is between 65°F to 70°F.

What is the purpose of rinsing after development?

To dilute the developer and slow down the development process.

What is the function of the acidifier in the fixing solution?

It provides the necessary acidic medium for diffusion of thiosulfate into the emulsion and inactivates any residual developing agents.

What is a common disadvantage of self-developing films?

The resultant image has poor quality and deteriorates rapidly over time.

How often should developer solutions be replenished in manual processing?

Daily, typically adding 8 ounces of fresh developer per gallon of developing solution.

What is the main concern with radiographic waste management?

The dissolved silver found in used fixer and lead foil found in film packets.

What is the role of the activator in the developing solution?

It maintains alkalinity and causes gelatin to swell for rapid diffusion of developer into the emulsion.

What is the sequence of steps in manual film processing?

Develop, Rinse, Fix, Wash, and Dry.

What is the advantage of automatic film processing?

Significantly reduces processing time to about 4-6 minutes.